Proverbs for LifeThe book of the Proverbs has much to say concerning the rich and the poor of this world. Within this category of truths, it provides spiritual wisdom and warning concerning our right treatment of the poor and needy around us.The Selfish Neglect of the PoorThe Unrighteous Oppression against the PoorThe Righteous Mercy for the Poor

The Selfish Neglect of the PoorProverbs 14:20-21 – “The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. He that de-spiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.” Proverbs 19:4 – “Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.”Proverbs 19:7 – “All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? He pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.” Proverbs 21:13 – “Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.” Proverbs 28:27 – “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.”Proverbs 29:7 – “The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.”The Unrighteous Oppression against the PoorProverbs 14:31 – “He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.” Proverbs 17:5 – “Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.” Proverbs 22:16 – “He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.”Proverbs 22:22-23 – “Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: for the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.”Proverbs 28:3 – “A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.”Proverbs 30:14 – “There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.” The Righteous Mercy for the PoorProverbs 14:20 – “He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.” Proverbs 14:31 – “He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.” Proverbs 19:17 – “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Proverbs 22:9 – “He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.”Proverbs 28:8 – “He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.”Proverbs 28:27 – “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” Proverbs 29:7 – “The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.” Proverbs 31:9 – “Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”Proverbs 31:10, 20 – “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies . . . . She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”